2020 was not an easy year by any stretch. When the first COVID-19 lockdown hit in the spring people were left feeling worried and isolated from their communities, friends and family. However, when times are hard we see people rise to the challenge; to help provide crucial services for those in need and make the best of a bad situation.
In the summer of 2020 we launched a search to find 21 people that showcased what Coventry is all about, friendship, support, love and a desire to be a force for good in the world.
We asked people to nominate those who were going above and beyond without recognition or asking for anything in return. Outstanding individuals in Cov who had dedicated their time to helping others.
We received over 100 nominations each one worthy of recognition, but 21 stood out as truly incredible. From shop owners putting the good of the community before profit, to a schoolgirl using her time to raise money for charity. These people are #OurCovHeroes.
To say thank you to these incredible people we worked with photographer Ayesha Jones to take their photos and display them on shop windows in the city centre. We were overwhelmed with support from the businesses and the council, who wanted to help share these important stories.
As well as the portraits of the 21 people selected for #OurCovHeroes, five ‘stand out heroes’ have had illustrations created of them by artist Ana Jaks, which were also featured in city centre windows.
To say thank you to these heroes we created a zine for them to keep as a reminder that they are #OurCovHeroes. You can see the zine here.